Rega Naia Reference Turntable (Available to Demo)

Delivering superlative clarity, transparency, naturalism, and resolution, Naia improves upon Rega's proven and pioneering low-mass high-rigidity plinth concept by using a Graphene-impregnated carbon-fiber skeletal plinth with Tancast 8 foam core. This ultra rigid structure is further strengthened via two ceramic aluminum oxide braces, the same material found in the resonance-controlled ceramic platter with enhanced flywheel effect and complex profile. These materials are often adopted by the aerospace industry — and provide an ideal platform on which to assemble a reference turntable. Moreover, the ultra-lightweight random structure of the foam core reduces vibration while the stiffness of the skin ensures no microscopic movement of the plinth occurs during playback. Graphene boosts the strength and stiffness of the carbon fiber even further, resulting in the stiffest plinth in Rega history.

Extending a common theme, the ‘table’s RB Titanium tonearm — which incorporates a new one-piece titanium vertical bearing housing and titanium vertical spindle assembly — is the most advanced and accurate production tonearm Rega ever released. The tonearm structure is designed to have the minimum of mechanical joints while using the stiffest materials in all critical areas. RB Titanium achieves near-frictionless movement both horizontally and vertically, and has no measurable free play in the bearing assemblies. The RB Titanium uses a new one-piece titanium vertical bearing housing and titanium vertical spindle assembly. The design is completed with a Tungsten balance weight shaft and balance weight.

Just as impressive, Naia uses a custom aluminum sub-platter with a spindle and central bearing manufactured from ZTA (zirconium toughened alumina). It provides significantly higher resistance against abrasion than alumina oxide. Exceptionally complex to make, production is similar to other oxide ceramics. Starting life as a powder preparation with spray drying, the piece is formed in an isostatic press. The piece is then turned in a green state (before firing) before being fired at 1600 °C for three days before grinding the bottom flange and bore — all of which precedes the final honing to match the spindle diameter. The spindle and bearing are then kept together to guarantee perfect fit. It’s also worth noting that the spindle runs on an ultra-thin layer of fully synthetic oil that further reduces wear — all of which comprises the hardest, most accurate, longest-lasting bearing assembly Rega has ever produced.

As you can likely guess, Naia relies on a superb power supply that delivers incredible motor-control stability, convenient electronic speed change, advanced anti-vibration control, and user-adjustable, electronic speed adjustment to ensure total accuracy and control over the life of the motor. Housed in a custom-designed case, the reference PSU is dedicated to running the 24V low-noise motor with pin-drop quiet. The speed and control relies on a DSP (Digital Signal Processing) generator built on a high-stability crystal. This device divides the accurate square wave from the crystal to the exact frequency required to turn the platter at the selected speed. The DSP core also generates a near-perfect sinusoidal waveform to power the motor.

The outcome of three years of working with chemists to devise a bespoke new rubber compound, the Naia Triple Reference drive belt delivers superior consistency of modulus (a constant representing the degree to which a substance has a particular property, especially elasticity). Each belt is manufactured on state-of-the-art, hyper-precision tools (inspired by working with the manufacturer of high-tech Formula 1 engine parts) that produce "perfectly round” and “dimensionally accurate" belts, critical for speed stability.

Last but not least, Naia showcases Rega’s trademark double-brace technology. Its rigid plinth design prevents energy absorption and unwanted resonances. Equally, heavier mass can transfer more unwanted energy — such as motor or bearing noise — directly into the rotating record. The tonearm and cartridge must be able to read directly from the platter. The unique Rega double brace solution ensures as much detail is retrieved as possible. In addition, the use of braces instead of the complete skin allows increased thickness in these key areas while providing further weight reduction to the plinth, thereby directly addressing the issue of mass absorption and unwanted energy transmission.

"It is as insightful and natural-sounding a record player as we’ve heard and manages that through truly ambitious single-minded engineering. It is clearly one of the best high-end record players available at this level and a must-listen for anyone interested in knowing just how good vinyl can sound."
—What Hi-Fi?, five-star review

"Extraordinary about sums it up. That any turntable can deliver so much musical information, so much of what the musicians who made each record laid down in the first place is truly remarkable."
—The EAR, Editor’s Choice

"Here is a genuinely high-end device; a piece of analog replay equipment that trades blows with the best of them but that is no more demanding in use than one at a tenth of the price."
—Audiophilia, five-star component